chelatchie prairie railroad

This vintage railroad, run by volunteers, runs through a super scenic area in western Washington. It's about a two hour round trip through fields and forests and along a river. They stop at a pretty waterfall to allow for photo ops before returning to the station. It would be nice if they travelled in a circuit instead of up and back along the same route because seeing the same scenery twice can be redundant, but all in all this is a great way to spend the afternoon regardless of the weather. They also feature seasonal events for the Hallowe'en and Christmas seasons and a simulated western style train robbery on some days during the summer.

we r a tour group & it was good. however. I think its a very limited operation. any time u get volunteer's to run a business - its hit & miss.

This excursion train is in the little known area of Chelatchie Prairie and Yacolt WA. This is about 25 minutes east of Battle Ground and is what remains from a long and colorful history of travel from Vancouver WA to the areas east. The train is authentic. This railroad is kept alive by volunteers who are dedicated to keeping this line working. This is not a train with plush accommodations but is comfortable and clean. There is inside seating and outdoor seating. If you board it at the Yacolt train station there is a ramp which accommodates disabled passengers. We boarded the train at the Moulton Falls Winery and rode the Wine Train Steam Excursion. There are a number of "special" trains during their operating year. There are a couple of weekends designated as "train robbery" rides. Of course the wine trains and the Steam Fall Leaves Special.The Headless Horseman Halloween Train is a lot of fun as well as the harvest train and fall wine train. There are several Christmas Tree Special Trains and the last train of the year features Saint Nick himself!The line travels through the prairie and along the East Fork of the Lewis River. There are crossing over the Lucia Falls road and liberal use of the old steam whistle can be heard up and down the river. The old trestle over the East Fork gives you a great view up and down the river and the whistle blows as you approach the road coming and going. This crossing also has a swag at the crossing that adds some clanging as you wave at the those waiting for the train to cross the road. A tunnel of approximately 300 feet is very dark and cool in the summer months. The tunnel sides are very close and the sights, sounds and smells make you feel like you have taken a time machine back in time! This train is NOT fast. The scenery is gorgeous and varied. It's very nostalgic and I saw many wide eyed children taking it all in on our ride. It's a fun outing in an area rich with waterfalls to explore and historic sites. Easily made into a day trip with a continued ride to Cedar Creek Grist Mill and out to Woodland on I5.I gave this 4 out of 5 stars because folks used to a fast paced life and entertainment may fine this slow and not entertaining enough. The train ride with extra activities should give the train the extra needed for those seeking a faster pace. For young kids and senior citizens its a lot of fun and an excursion I would take again.

It was something different and relaxing. I enjoyed myself there, also the falls that they stop at was very pretty. (Moulton Falls Park).